The 2015 class may not be littered with the star-studded names that sat atop the rankings of the 2014 class, but it offers considerably more depth than its predecessor.

The rate in which Louisiana produces top-level football prospects is quite staggering. That number only seems to be increasing as the state as a whole is on an uptick. Every player on this list should have an opportunity to play at a major-conference school with just as many prospects that didn't make it also having the same opportunity. In particular, the wide receiver position offers the most depth on both sides of the ball.

In this five-part series, we will list the players who stood out most at this early stage of the process after countless hour of film study, camp, game and practice evaluations. By no means will this list remain the same as the off-season progresses, so stay tuned for updates down the road. Without further ado, we bring to you the NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Nifty 50 for the Class of 2015.

Acadiana quietly puts out quality football teams and
prospects every year. This year is no different, led by athlete Mailk Eugene. The
speedster plays defensive back and often carries the ball in Acadiana's veer offense. He is an extremely
fluid athlete and could move up considerably if he shows out in camps this
spring and summer as a cornerback, which I believe he will do.

Karr's Devante Noil (2) wasn't able to come down with the pass as East Jefferson's DeShawn Raymond (7) defends during first half action of the LHSAA State Farm Prep Classic Class 4A state championship game at the Superdome in New Orleans on Saturday, December 14, 2013. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)

Raymond has really worked on his craft and it shows. He has
great length that he is learning to use to his advantage. One thing that really
stands out is Raymond's ability to show up on the big stage. He played really
well against Karr in the state championship game, and he played well
against top prospects on the 7-on-7 and camp circuit. He could be a long corner
or a rangy safety at the next level.

There aren't many guys carrying at least 280 pounds who are
as light on their feet as Burguillos. His quickness could be utilized at
guard in a spread system that lets him play in space. He is also learning how
to play center, which could be his best position at the next level. He holds an
offer from Hawaii, where former New Orleans Saint guard Chris Naole is the offensive
line coach. Expect that number to
increase once coaches see what he can do from an athletic standpoint.

Helen Cox no. 7 QB Dion Ray runs with the ball in the first quarter during a football game Friday, September 14,2012 between West Jefferson High School and Helen Cox High School at Hoss Memtsas Stadium in Harvey.SUSAN POAG/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Mr. Excitement, Dion Ray is a real treat to watch. He is the
high school version of former Michigan star quarterback Denard Robinson,
although he is slightly ahead of him at this stage of their careers as a
passer. As a passer he shows good arm strength, the ability to throw accurately
and with power on the move and pretty good accuracy when his weight transfer is
proper. When he decides to take off, he runs like a mouse when the lights
flick on. His explosiveness may hinder him a bit, as he would like to play
quarterback at the next level and a lot of schools are going to be thinking
wide receiver or defensive back to utilize his unique ability.

Versatility can really help a prospect on the recruiting
trail and it sure did benefit Capers-Smith. The Texas A&M commitment may be
best suited for cornerback at the next level, but plays just about all the
skill positions on both sides of the ball for Warren Easton. He still needs to
work on his craft as a defensive back or receiver, as he is very raw at
either position. He will be a key piece for Warren Easton as they look to make
a state championship run in 2014.

Eloph has the athleticism to play on the defensive line as
well. He moves extremely well for an offensive lineman and shows a nasty
initial punch when engaging with defenders. He could easily add weight to his
frame and could play a number of different positions on the line. Linemen who
can get to the second level and effectively pick off defenders are valuable and Eloph does it as well as anyone in this class. Expect him to be a
major target with certain schools that really fall in love with his skill-set.

There are some really good defensive ends in this year's
class and Walker has proven that he is one of the best. He is an effort guy who moves well, has a quick get off and has a knack for getting in the
backfield to wreak havoc. Yes, it's criminal to have him rated this low, but
that is what this class is all about; solid prospects all the way down the
board.

Upside is a word that is so often thrown around in this
business, but it's very fitting for so many guys and Williams fits the bill. He
is very long, accelerates well, and has a top gear that lets him stretch the
field. He is a bit slender and bulking up is part of that upside mentioned.
He has shown the ability to make the outstanding catch, yet he struggles with some
easy balls, which shows a lack of consistency. This should be able to be improved
upon. If he puts it all together he has a bright future.

There are some real quality linemen in the state this year and
Dugas has as much upside as any. He has great size and uses it well as he
bullies defenders. The current state heavyweight wrestling champ is a mauler in
the run game, yet shows good foot quickness for a guy his size. Every time I
watched his film I moved him higher until I decided to let him rest at 22 ... for
now. He appears to be extremely lean at his weight of 300 pounds. His ability
to bend at the knee, lateral quickness and length give him a really good chance
at playing tackle at the next level. Expect his name to pick up a lot of steam
during the spring and summer months.

The game of football is all about speed and nobody in the
state has more of it than Jackson. He was clocked at the Tulane camp last
summer at 4.29 and 4.32 in the 40-yard dash. You read that correctly. I would
have doubted it, too, if I didn't witness it in person and learn exactly what a
4.3 felt like as it whisked on by. Whether his future is at defensive back or
wide receiver remains to be seen, but it's a given that he will be one of the
nation's premier return men at the next level. If he attended wizard school
with Harry Potter for the next four years he should still play on Sundays as a
return man. I'm sold on this kid's abilities and, in time, others will be, too.

James Smith previously worked as a talent evaluator for Elite Scouting and Max Emfinger and has served on the selection committees of various high school All-American games. He can be reached at jsmith2@nola.com or 504.826.3405.